Charter Oak LbNA # 63526 (ARCHIVED)

About the Charter Oak: Bell County was formed on January 22, 1850, and named for Peter H. Bell. The spot chosen for the first election in Bell County was beneath a magnificent live oak. It was located about 50 yards east of the log cabin home of William F. Hill and about 200 yards south of where the Old Military Road crossed the Leon River. Although Hill's was the only house near the crossing, the site was centrally located and most convenient to the few voters in the county.

To the Box: Go to Heritage Park, on the south bank of the Leon River in Belton, TX. Park near the H.E.B. Pavilion. Walk toward the river on the sidewalk/walking track that is west of the pavilion. On the left side of the walkway, you will find a cluster of trees, pecans and hackberries, seven in all. There are three trees growing together in the center of this cluster, two pecans enveloping a hackberry. At the base of the pecan on the west side of the cluster, you will find the letterbox in a hole covered with leaf litter.
Please recover well.

As you leave stop by and read the Charter Oak marker on the north side of the river on Charter Oak Drive at Parkside Drive, just across the bridge in Temple. (The actual Charter Oak is still living but is on private property.)

Before you set out, please read the
waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.
Please be sure to reseal baggies and boxes carefully so that they stay dry
and rehide boxes in their original location, completely hidden from view.